About Us

As a self employed architectural designer I have been in business in Nelson for 35 years. In that time I have designed many comfortable, modern and economical homes for clients here in Nelson as well as throughout the country. I have also undertaken design work for many commercial and industrial buildings, including retail/office buildings, education buildings and church and community facilities.

The biggest challenge is to give the client what they want within their budget expectations. This is achieved by discussing the project with them, the careful use of materials and planning the layout to make use of sun, view and location.

I operate my business from a dedicated office at home and over the years have employed staff. All work is completed on a computer using a architectural CAD programme call ArchiCAD. I am able to produce 3D pictures of the building as it will look in its surroundings. This helps the clients to fully understand what their project will look like when completed.

With the changes in legislation I keep up to date by attending seminars run by the industry and also ADNZ. Being a member also enables me to share ideas with fellow designers. I have been a member since 1988 and was given Life Membership of ADNZ in 2008. I have been a national president and local branch president as well as serving on the national executive.

Past Clients

Having been involved in many past homes for both ourselves and clients we initially sought a design from one of the many group housing companies. FOUR plans later we realized they were not listening to our requirements and we then called David Todd with whom we had worked before.
Our initial freehand sketch quickly became - with few alterations - exactly what we envisaged from the start. Our brief was simple requiring a spacious living area, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large double + garage. The maximum use of glass and four sets of stacker doors opening onto two patios ensured an easy indoor/outdoor flow. The overall u-shaped design provides total privacy and shelter from both the southerly and northerly winds.
The overall design has been complemented with quality fixtures and fittings and a builder that both David and ourselves found easy to work with. David's prompt attention to on-site requirements and his easy manner with the local authority has resulted in a home we are delighted with and as a visitor remarked - "you have a lovely home that would have a ready market if you decided to sell".

"We would like to express our thanks and gratitude to you for the exceptional design you created to do the major 'make-over' for our originally modest home.
After having used your services in 2005 to do a partial renovation and minor changes to our home we were very satisfied that we didn't wish to look any further for a different architectural designer when it came to do the 'big one'!
The formal entry you designed which has also allowed us to borrow light from the South has made for a beautifully designed home which has proved to be a very light and airy, practically, liveable house which is exactly what we requested.
And all the external changes including the roof has finished it off to the point where we now have a totally new home.
We are also able to now enjoy both/either the two new decks which have allowed amazing indoor/outdoor living according to the weather on the day!
Thank you again David, we are proud of our new home and we feel as though we are on holiday every day!"